Want to get out and about in the community? Learn how to get involved in community initiatives, local charities and more to help increase your brand awareness and give something back.

1. TIPS FOR SMALL
BUSINESS OWNERS
TRYING TO ENGAGE
THE COMMUNITY8

2. CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS
Being part of local fundraisers is a great opportunity
for small business owners to engage with the
community and add a philanthropic facet.
Why not set up a stall at the local
fundraiser? Or offer up your time to help set
up the event?
Franchisees who are part of larger businesses should
also look at creating long term relationships with
charities that have been approved by their franchiser.

3. DONATE
Small business owners with little time
should consider donating products
and services to charity auctions (make
sure they are of high quality!) or
making monthly contributions to a
charity.
Community causes such as clean up days are a
great way to get your brand name out there and
meet and greet your customers!

4. SPONSORSHIPS
How many times have you seen a kids’ soccer team
wearing jerseys emblazoned with the name of a local
business?
Not only are sponsorships great for your brand image,
they also provide effortless advertising.
When choosing a team to sponsor, look for clubs and
teams that have some kind of relevance to your business.
Sharing mutual interests allows for future partnerships
and collaborations.

5. COLLABORATIONS
Stuck for innovative ideas?
Why not collaborate with local brands, stores and
other business owners to create a new product or
develop a new offering for the community?
For example, if you sell paint, look to collaborate
with local builders on a project. This will give you
access to their customer base and contacts as well
as doubling your reach.

6. GIVEAWAYS & COMPETITIONS
Have some fun by engaging the
community through social media
competitions and giveaways.
If you’re in the food industry, why not ask the
community to create a new product for your menu?
At the end of the competition, you can host a
‘tastings’ night for the top creations, getting the
community together in your store.

7. START A GROUP
Look at starting a community group
that meets frequently to discuss
common interests and agendas.
More formal groups are great for discussing
community issues that need to be addressed.
Informal groups could focus on a hobby around
your product or service offering. For food
businesses, hosting weekly cooking classes is a
great way to keep your product in demand
while engaging the community at the same time.

8. HOST AN EVENT
Offering up your store as the venue for a
community event is a great way to show that
you’re a ‘team player’ when it comes to
community engagement.
Not only will the wider community
appreciate the gesture, it also gets
people into your store and raises
awareness of your business.

9. SHOW SOME SUPPORT
Being engaged within the community
means that you have to keep abreast of
community and social issues.
Contributing an opinion piece to your local
paper demonstrates a commitment to the
community and shows that you care.
You can also engage on social media with well
informed debates and thoughts on local issues.

10. If you're interested in running your own
business but with the support of a
franchise, email franchise@rolld.com.au